Size and Packaging Requirements

The dimensional weight of a shipment is a calculation that reflects its density. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length x height x width and dividing by 166 lb (if multiplied in inches) or by 6,000 kg (if multiplied in centimetres).

To meet performance expectations and current regulatory and security control requirements, Air Canada Cargo adheres to a rigorous goods acceptance process. All shipments must meet and follow IATA regulations.

Shipper’s Responsibility

You have a responsibility to ensure that your shipment complies with all applicable rules and regulations and is acceptable for transport (packaged appropriately, properly identified and labeled, and accompanied by all required documentation).

Shipping Requirements

Shipments are only acceptable for transportation when the shipper, consignee or owner has complied with the rules and regulations of the tariffs and all laws, ordinances, and other governmental rules and regulations governing the transportation of the shipment.

The air waybill must be accurate and complete in all respects. It must include the weight, number of pieces, dimensions, nature of goods, all information required by Customs and known/unknown security status. The air waybill must also contain the conditions of contract. An e-Air Waybill is also acceptable (where authorized).

Note: Any adjustments made to an Air Waybill that could impact the expected billing amount, such as re-weighing, calculating or re-calculating the dimensional weight of your shipment, will be communicated to the shipper with a Notice of Correction. This Notice of Correction will be sent electronically to your attention.

Attention Freight Forwarders:

When applicable, complete House AWB information must be available for manual input or electronically transmitted to either Air Canada or directly to Customs.

All documents necessary for determining the nature of the goods, along with export, import or transit documents required by Customs or any governmental body, must be completed and/or checked and must accompany the air waybill.

Electronic submission of this information is also acceptable (where authorized) following IATA procedures and standards.

Shipments must be packed in a way that allows for security screening and to ensure that it can be carried safely with ordinary care in handling. In addition, the volume and weight of your shipment when tendered must match those in your booking.

The dimensional weight of a shipment is a calculation that reflects its density. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length x height x width and dividing by 166 lb (if multiplied in inches) or by 6,000 kg (if multiplied in centimetres).

Shipping Solution Selector

All packages in the consignment must be marked with the consignee's name, street and city address, including ZIP/postal code (as on the Air Waybill) OR, have one or more packages marked with this information with an appropriate reference on all other packages in the consignment.

A completed cargo identification label or stencil must be attached to each package. Labels must be fully visible and all old labels and markings must be obliterated.

All shipments undergo security screening and must be prepared for carriage according to the security control instructions provided by the National Authority and any additional instructions provided by Air Canada Cargo.

Note: Any cargo that cannot be screened to a satisfactory standard may be broken down into smaller pieces in order to obtain a clear image. Breakdown and build-up fees may apply. See Security screening fees in Rates, Charges and Fees.

Air Canada Cargo Acceptance Requirements

Shipments are acceptable for transportation when:

The shipper, consignee or owner complies with the rules and regulations of the tariffs and all laws, ordinances, and other governmental rules and regulations governing transport of the shipment.

It is agreed that the goods shipped are accepted in apparent good order, are properly packaged, are in a condition for carriage that is in conformity with IATA regulations, and are subject to the conditions of the contract (the Air Waybill).

Shipments are delivered on time and have a confirmed booking from origin to destination.

Booking an expedited shipment is easy with Air Canada Cargo. Our knowledgeable and experienced booking agents will assess your shipping needs and help you determine the right solution, services and optional features to consider as they guide you through the booking process.

Tendering (or dropping-off) your shipment is the process of consigning the shipment to Air Canada Cargo for transport. Retrieving your shipment is the process of picking up the shipment at the destination location.

Tender/Retrieval Locations

Tendering a shipment with AC Expedair is easy. Just visit your nearest AC Expedair counter. Your booking agent will provide you with the applicable Air Canada Cargo locations for receiving your shipment.

Tender/Retrieval Times

You will need to tender your shipment in advance of your flight to allow time for security checks, inspections and ground handling time. There is also a set period of time for retrieval of your shipment at the destination

Tender Time(s): Tender cut-off time is the latest time a shipment can be ready for shipment and consigned to Air Canada Cargo in order for it to travel on a specific flight. The tender time is calculated by counting back from flight departure time.

Retrieval Time(s): Retrieval time represents the amount of time it takes to process a shipment and have it available for pick-up after the flight arrives at the final destination. Please note that storage charges will apply if a shipment is not collected within a reasonable delay.

Tender and retrieval times are expedited for the AC Expedair solution. Simply enter AC Expedair into the tool below to find the applicable tender times.

Origin:

Solution:

Destination:

Service Level:

Standard

Priority1

Cargo Type:

Loose Shipment

Loose Shipment

A loose shipment is a shipment that is tendered as individual boxes or pieces.

ULD

ULD

A ULD (unit load device) or container shipment is made up of multiple pieces that
are consolidated into a large container to form a single unit.

Our goal it to provide you with a smooth, seamless shipping experience. This Shipper’s Checklist will help you know what to expect and the things you can do at each step in the shipping process to help us make your experience even better.

Before You Book

For fast and easy booking, follow this checklist to make sure you’ve got what you need before you call to book your shipment.

Due to some aircraft types, weight, weather and regulatory restrictions, we may not be able to transport your shipment to all the destinations we serve. Your Air Canada Cargo agent will help you determine the best route based on your shipping needs. Routes and Network

Note that shipping rates can vary significantly depending on the solution, service level and options that you select. Your Air Canada Cargo agent will help you evaluate your shipping needs and total shipping costs. General information about Rates, Charges and Fees